Passenger side slipped on without issue, didn’t have to remove the starter as was suggested I might. I have not yet installed the side pipes, but the passenger side seems as if it will not be an issue. The drivers side however seems to be a problem. I had to ding the pipe several times – starting with one of the middle header bolts, no way it would go through and turn. Then I had to ding the for the steering box, then I had to ding for the frame. After all that I have them installed and nothing is touching except on the outside of the car, I’ll attach a picture – its riding way too high and touching the body….what should I do ?

 

--- Since I have yet to install the sidepipes, I assume the drivers side will be a way off....will I be able to force the side pipe as needed and therefore bend the header presumable away from the body? I have not tightened the header colts yet (as was suggested here)

 

I also have the Hooker Header side pipes, grinding of the rocker panal is typical like yours shows, but it does seem to riding a bit high , could be ( only guessing ) motor mounts, were they ever replaced? They could be higher than stock ones,that's my only guess for them being that high. The way that the pipe is hitting the body it will definately melt the glass ( my pipes get REALY HOT at that point ) and rub everytime you rev the engine. I would check out you motor mounts and look into a shorter set. The header set is welded in a jig so I don't think that you set could be that far off from another set if you were to exchange them. Keep us posted
Good luck
Maybe another reason,were you front fender panals ever replaced with after marker ones?
Just re-read your post, If you have the chrome or Jet coated headers I would not try to bend them down by steping on them ,I don't think the chrome or coating will take it!!!! And you say they're not bolted up tight yet? They're going to go higher than they are now, check into the motor mounts , you may even have to go with solids with you header pipe being that close to your body glass already.
I just went out and took a few pictures of how mine sit, mine is a daily driver so and have been on for about 4 years, but it will give you a good idea of about where they should be sitting.

 

Putting the tubes on may help a little and I'd give it a try first, but boy that looks too close. The headers will press the tubes towards the body a little, but once I got the frame spacers and hardware in place it brings everything parallel to the body again. I didn't have any fitment issues on my '76 and I didn't have to dimple pipes. Getting the header bolts in is another story. What a PITA!!! I thought I'd try and use ARP studs this time to make it easier to install, but the nuts will not clear the side of the pipe.

Is your frame staight?

 

I just took a picture of the motor mount as I wouldn't know if thats an issue or not - I looked up the part on Ecklers and it "appears" to be the same. You will notice I have the bolt removed - first set of headers had a warped flange and in an attempt to get them to fit I removed it and lifted the engine slightly.

As for the body - its aftermarket since its all once peice.

These are ceramic coated S/C.

Anything else I can check into ? I can post again after I attempt to install the pipes tomorrow.

I don't know about the frame - I just got the car and I am a newbie....car rides well and straight, aside from that I just don't know.

 

How do your body mounts look

 

I am not sure, if you tell me where they are and what to look for I will take a picture -- are these adjustable ?

 

Crimson Ghost,
I think you answered the question,when you said it's a one piece after market front end there lies your problem I bet. See if you can take a few measurements from an identical " stock " fender from your same year car if you know someone. And while your at it take a few other measurements and see if your frame checks out as suggested above .
Also re-looking at your 1st picture I can see now that you don't even have your rocker panal on. Does your rocker panal fit the contour of aftermarket lower fender? That may tell you if the fender out of wack. Lots of items you need to check out.

 

I removed the rocker before I started the header install, the rocker fits well. I had planned to cut it as needed and reinstall it - at this point i am not sure what I will do.

I am wondering if I can take this to a muffler shop and have the pipes bent. If not I will remove them and post back here for options of another system - obviously I am going after a noise factor here, but I like the looks of the side pipes....getting bummed.

 

OK, time for more pictures. Stand back about 6 feet from the side of the car and take a picture of the fender showing the front wheel and the gap at the door to fender. Do this on both sides. Also a complete side shot (bumper to bumper) would also be beneficial on both sides. A shot of the top of the fenders where they meet the upper front corner of the door, again from both sides. These pictures will provide enough visual to see the panel alignments with each other.

Also provide measurements from the ground to the upper center point of each wheel well (all four).

A bit more information would be helpful. The year of vehicle along with the engine and trany.

Give us enough information and someone here can help you.